Bidirectional effects of neutrophils on biofilms .

Background: is a commensal bacterium and an early biofilm coloniser found in the human oral cavity. One of the biofilm matrix constituents is bacterial extracellular DNA (eDNA). Neutrophils are innate immune cells that respond to biofilms, employing antimicrobial mechanisms such as neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release.

Truncated SPAG9 as a novel candidate gene for a new syndrome: Coarse facial features, albinism, cataract and developmental delay (CACD syndrome).

Sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) is a member of cancer-testis antigen, having characteristics of a scaffold protein, which is involved in the c-Jun N-terminal kinase JNK signaling pathway, suggesting its key involvement in different physiological processes, such as survival, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and cell proliferation. We identified two families (A and B) having multisystem features like coarse facial features, albinism, cataracts, skeletal abnormalities, and developmental delay. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) in families A and B revealed a homozygous frameshift variant (c.

Prophylactic administration of PEPITEM in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis delays disease onset, inhibits leukocyte infiltration, and alleviates severity.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated neurological disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, affecting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Objective: This study investigated the prophylactic use of peptide inhibitor of trans-endothelial migration (PEPITEM), a novel peptide, in alleviating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Female C57BL/6 female mice were assigned to the control, untreated EAE, or PEPITEM group.

Possible effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on contextual fear conditioning, hippocampal perivascular space, apoptosis and adrenal gland microarchitecture in rats.

Whilst the world sees the tremendous growth of mobile phone technology, radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) induced possible health effects have emerged as a topic of recent day debate. The current study is designed to test the hypothesis that chronic 900 MHz radiation exposure would potentially dysregulate the stress response system (HPA axis) in vivo, via, its non-thermal mechanisms, leading to alterations in the microarchitecture of the adrenal gland, vulnerable brain regions such as the hippocampus which may results in altered behaviours in rats. Male albino Wistar rats aged four weeks, weighing 50-60 g were subjected to 900 MHz radiation from a mobile phone for four weeks at a rate of one hour per day.

Decoding the Genes Orchestrating Egg and Sperm Fusion Reactions and Their Roles in Fertility.

Mammalian fertilization is a complex and highly regulated process that has garnered significant attention, particularly with advancements in assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). The fusion of egg and sperm involves a sequence of molecular and cellular events, including capacitation, the acrosome reaction, adhesion, and membrane fusion. Critical genetic factors, such as IZUMO1, JUNO (also known as FOLR4), CD9, and several others, have been identified as essential mediators in sperm-egg recognition and membrane fusion.

The Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence on the Relationship Between Nurses' Preparedness to Care for COVID-19 Patients and Their Quality of Work Life.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as a key factor in healthcare, where managing emotions is vital for job satisfaction, productivity, and interpersonal relationships. For nurses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, EI plays a pivotal role in navigating emotional challenges and improving their quality of work life (QoWL). This study examined how EI moderates the relationship between nurses' preparedness to care for COVID-19 patients and their QoWL.

Prevalence and Predictors of Diabetic Retinopathy in Saudi Arabia: Insights from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness among diabetic patients, particularly in areas with an increase in diabetes epidemics, such as Saudi Arabia. Notwithstanding the significant public health implications, data on the prevalence and risk factors of DR in Saudi Arabia are few and scattered, limited to certain geographic areas. Our study objective is to conduct a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the prevalence and predictors for DR in Saudi Arabia, within both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Factors Associated with Recurrent Emergency Department Visits for Epistaxis in Adults, Cross Sectional Study in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction And Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of recurrent and active epistaxis in adult patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) and explored the association of recurrent epistaxis with demographic characteristics, comorbidities and medications, and types of emergency interventions in adult epistaxis patients.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with data from Eds of two tertiary hospitals over three years, from January 2019 to January 2022. All adult patients aged ≥18 years with active epistaxis not resolved by pressure on the nose or head positioning were included.

Comparative Study Between Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Units vs. Mixed Intensive Care Units in Key Performance Indicators.

Background This comparative study evaluates the performance of medical/surgical and mixed intensive care units (ICUs) at a tertiary care university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using key performance indicators (KPIs). Since its establishment in 1982, the hospital has provided comprehensive medical services, including specialized, closed-model ICUs, including medical, surgical, and pediatric ICUs. In 2021, these ICUs transitioned to a mixed ICU model to enhance efficiency and patient care.

Decorin alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Endocrine multisystem defect polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes hyperandrogenism and infertility. Half of PCOS women have (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) NAFLD, which increases metabolic disease risk. We tested decorin's effect on NAFLD and related processes in PCOS.

Long-Term Knowledge Retention of Biochemistry Among Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: Biochemistry is a cornerstone of medical education. Its knowledge is integral to the understanding of complex biological processes and how they are applied in several areas in health care. Also, its significance is reflected in the way it informs the practice of medicine, which can guide and help in both diagnosis and treatment.

Management and outcomes of pediatric optic neuritis in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective study.

Background: Although pediatric optic neuritis (PON) is a rare condition, current advancements in its diagnosis, investigation, and treatment suggest that a more precise risk assessment is necessary given the history of irreversible damage and functional degeneration of the optic nerve. Additionally, after further investigations and/or new neurological events, the initial diagnosis is revised.

Aim: To report clinical profile, management and outcome of different demyelinating disease phenotypes of pediatric optic neuritis (PON) in individuals under the age of 18 years in a tertiary center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

A Systematic Review of Interventions-Does Invisalign Move Teeth as Effectively as Orthodontic Fixed Appliances?

Despite the large number of studies that have been done in this area, there is still a gap in the literature when it comes to comparing the orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) efficacy of Invisalign and fixed orthodontic appliances. The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Invisalign and fixed orthodontic appliances in terms of the amount and rate of OTM. Specifically, the study aimed to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between these two treatment modalities in achieving OTM and to assess whether treatment duration differs significantly between Invisalign and traditional fixed appliances.

HyMNet: A Multimodal Deep Learning System for Hypertension Prediction Using Fundus Images and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.

Study Objectives: This study aimed to develop a multimodal deep learning (MMDL) system called HyMNet, integrating fundus images and cardiometabolic factors (age and sex) to enhance hypertension (HTN) detection.

Methods: HyMNet employed RETFound, a model pretrained on 1.6 million retinal images, for the fundus data, in conjunction with a fully connected neural network for age and sex.

Preliminary findings on the absence of PEPITEM release in B cells isolated from Saudi donors: implications for expanded population studies.

Background: Adiponectin (AQ) plays a role in regulating immune responses. Previous research indicates that B cells can affect T cell transmigration via the adiponectin-induced peptide PEPITEM in Caucasians. This study explores whether this mechanism is also applicable to Saudi populations, considering potential ethnic variations in immune response.

Comparison of clinical outcomes, complications and patient satisfaction following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty.

Background: Keratoplasty is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue, thereby restoring vision. Recent advancements have led to the replacement of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) with the more selective deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) procedure, especially for treating keratoconus. Although DALK typically has a shorter recovery time, less pain and a lower risk of rejection, PKP is still being performed for more severe corneal diseases.

Prescribing Hydroxyurea in Sickle Cell Disease Patients: The Pattern and Association with Co-Prescribed Medications Used to Manage the Disease Complications.

Hydroxyurea (HU) is an effective medication used to reduce the frequency of painful crises associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, data describing its prevalence among SCD patients in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia are scarce. This is a multi-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study that aims to investigate the pattern of prescribing HU in SCD patients and to determine the association between prescribing HU and other co-prescribed medications used to manage SCD complications.

The Interlinking Metabolic Association between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Insights.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer share common risk factors including obesity, inflammation, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. High insulin levels activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway promoting cancer cell growth, survival, proliferation, metastasis, and anti-apoptosis. The inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway for cancer remains a promising therapy; however, drug resistance poses a major problem in clinical settings resulting in limited efficacy of agents; thus, combination treatments with therapeutic inhibitors may solve the resistance to such agents.